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Will Korea try to get Denis Ten for 2018?

I think it's more than realistic that Korea will try to get Denis to compete for them in 2018. He is part of the Korean minority in Kazakstan, with rich pro-independence for Korea history in his family. Plus, he will be only 24. It'll probably be very easy for him to gain citizenship. This could become really interesting, IMO.

Although it would be good for Korea, I doubt he'll go since if he becomes a citizen of S.Korea he will be required to enlist. He would only be exempted if he earns Gold at Asian games or any medal at the Olympics.

Would that be something? Then if Yuna Kim could be persuaded to come back on more time…

Realism aside, that scenario would certainly put the fear of God into more than a few Team Event contenders.

And if Korea could steal a decent pairs or dance team from some country with an excess of bounty (hey, Russia, how about a large transfer fee for Ilinykh and Katsalapov? ), you'd have an instant gold medal contender right there!

I don't think he will country hop! South Korea is getting so much from Kim Yuna. He would be in her shadow and be nothing. Even retired Kim Yuna will be a million Michelle Kwans in South Korea. And that's what Yuna is to South Korea. A million Michelle Kwans.

I think it's more than realistic that Korea will try to get Denis to compete for them in 2018. He is part of the Korean minority in Kazakstan, with rich pro-independence for Korea history in his family. Plus, he will be only 24. It'll probably very easy for him to gain citizenship. This could become really interesting, IMO.

No. Denis Ten is already a hero in Kazakhstan after winning silver in Worlds last year
he had banquet attended by President of Kazakhstan Mr. Nazarbayev
now he won bronze in the Olympics, he will be like a national hero

I think it's more than realistic that Korea will try to get Denis to compete for them in 2018. He is part of the Korean minority in Kazakstan, with rich pro-independence for Korea history in his family. Plus, he will be only 24. It'll probably be very easy for him to gain citizenship. This could become really interesting, IMO.

I hope not. He's a very well respected athlete and beloved citizen in Kazakhstan. He is ethnically Korean, but even his parents are not Korean natives. And I've read that he is promoting figure skating in his country and had a successful ice show of his own there last year.

To this Korean fan, it's a tempting idea you're presenting, since he's a young and accomplished skater. But he's on a right track already, and I don't feel he would be happier as a person or get better support from the Korean fed if he become a naturalized Korean.

I think it's more than realistic that Korea will try to get Denis to compete for them in 2018. He is part of the Korean minority in Kazakstan, with rich pro-independence for Korea history in his family. Plus, he will be only 24. It'll probably be very easy for him to gain citizenship. This could become really interesting, IMO.

Where did that come from? He has no ties to Korea other than family history.

It would also make absolutely zero sense. Kazakh athletes - at least at his level - get incredible support from the government.

Originally Posted by Robeye

Realism aside, that scenario would certainly put the fear of God into more than a few Team Event contenders.

And if Korea could steal a decent pairs or dance team from some country with an excess of bounty (hey, Russia, how about a large transfer fee for Ilinykh and Katsalapov? ), you'd have an instant gold medal contender right there!

South Korea has a very decent Junior Ice Dance team and a potentially promising Senior Ice Dance team. They should be fine by 2018. A pair program is what they need now.